Georgia Eighth Graders Improve Scores On CRCT

The percentage of Georgia’s eighth graders exceeding standards in the CRCT tests increased this year, according to results released Thursday. Results for third through seventh graders were mixed.

State School Superintendent John Barge says the score increase is good news, especially as the state prepares to face a new, tougher program next year.

“And the percentage of our students meeting the exceeds standard increased on 17 tests,” said Barge. “In fact, in eighth grade, the percentage of students exceeded in every content area.”

This is the last year the state will give CRCT. Barge says they expect scores will drop next year as Georgia moves to the Georgia Milestones tests, which are more difficult. He says that evidence comes from scores on this year’s on the new math test.

“I think the statewide pass rate on the first administration of the coordinate algebra EOCT was about 37 percent statewide,” said Barge. And the test previous to that I think we were in the 70, maybe low 70’s I think somewhere in there. So it was a fairly significant drop.”

But he’s hoping that since more eighth graders scored higher this year, that drop may not be as great as they fear. And he says scores should increase as students get used to the more rigorous standards.